New York legal term
Summons in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Summons” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Summons” mean in New York criminal law?
"Summons" means a process of a local criminal court or superior court, more fully defined in section 130.10, requiring a defendant to appear before such court for the purpose of arraignment upon an accusatory instrument filed therewith by which a criminal action against him has been commenced. 28. (N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law § 1.20)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.